Westhill High School senior Claire Howlett and Staples High School sophomore Hannah DeBalsi provide great theater no matter what stage they meet upon.

The venue on Saturday was the Class LL girls indoor track championship at Floyd Little Athletic Center at Hillhouse High School.

And the queens of distance racing didn't disappoint as Howlett captured the 1600 while DeBalsi made her huge statement in winning the 3200.

In this friendly and respectful rivalry of two great runners pushing each other to singular accomplishments, Howlett had defeated DeBalsi in both the 1600 and 3200 at the FCIAC Girls Indoor Track Championship. On that evening as well as Saturday, DeBalsi had been fighting a lingering virus.

However in the LL 3200, DeBalsi put it all aside. From midway through the 16 laps to the end, DeBalsi -- running like a majestic gazelle -- kept widening her advantage as she lapped the other competitors save Howlett.

"My plan in the 3200 was to see if I could get Claire off my shoulder. I went out fast and actually felt better as the 3200 went on," said a clearly pale DeBalsi. "I heard (Staples boys indoor track head coach) Laddie Lawrence yell '40 meters' at me. In my head I yelled `Yes!' "

DeBalsi's time of 10:19.26 smashed the old Class LL indoor mark of 10:44.57 by more than 25 seconds. The old record holder was none other than Hannah DeBalsi.

"I thought about it and realized I hadn't beaten Claire in a race since the New England cross country championships. When she went by me in the 1600, I said `Oh no, not again.' " DeBalsi said. "It was time for me to win an event."

Howlett's 3200 runnerup time of 10:32.28 also smashed the old LL 3200 mark. But it sets up a wonderful battle in next Saturday's State Open Championship back at Floyd Little.

DeBalsi had one other incentive Saturday. She wasn't a one-woman show but her 18 points were instrumental in Staples earning its first-ever Class LL girls indoor track title.

"I'm so happy for the girls. It's an incredible feeling and a great reward for all their hard work," said Staples 10th-year girls indoor track head coach Jesse McCray. "After we finished second at the FCIACs to the (Class L champ) Darien High girls, we felt we could win this state title.

"We're so glad to bring that Class LL state plaque home to Staples," McCray continued. "Hannah's performance today just shows how mentally and physically tough she is. Our first state indoor title will always be special."

In their first marquee matchup in the 1600, Howlett pulled away in the bell lap to win in a new Class LL record time of 4:55.36. DeBalsi also broke the old standard with her runnerup time of 4:56.08.

"I tried to get past Hannah at 800 meters but she spurted away," Howlett said. "So I made my move on the last lap. Since it's my senior year, all these championship meets are important. To win as a senior at the FCIACs and Class LLs sets me up well to peak at the State Open."

In the pole vault, Newtown senior Jenna Calandro won at a new Class LL record height of 11-feet-7. Ridgefield's Rachel Moroknek (10-6) was second.

"I'm very happy with the win. Taking the LL title was one of my preseason goals," Calandro said. "To get the LL record was a pleasant surprise. I feel like I'm all set for the State Open."

In 55 meter hurdles, Brien McMahon's senior Boyd won in 8.51 seconds with Alex Wykoff of Ludlowe third in 8.86. Norwalk's Tamia Taylor (9.01) was sixth.

In the 55 dash, Boyd won her second gold medal in 7:43 seconds. Danbury's Niema Riley was third in 7.49. Norwalk's Taylor 4th in 7.51.

In the 1,000, Ridgefield senior Laura Hergenrother was Class LL champion in 2:58.99. Staples' Erica Hefnawy was second in 3:04.37. Westhill's Ericka Randazzo was sixth in 3:11.90.

In the sprint medley relay, Staples won 4:20.31 with Danbury (4:22.40) 4th and Greenwich (4:26.35) 6th.

In the shot put, Shelton's Samantha Bailey won with a heave of 37-feet-7. Greenwich's Sarah Cicchetti was third at 34-2 Â½. Westhill's Danielle Leffand was sixth at 31-2.